The Melges Europe Story

In May 2007, another chapter was written in the impressive 60+ years of
Melges Performance Sailboats history. It was a milestone that would
bring international class growth to the Melges 32 and be far more
significant than just another record-breaking regatta turn out, or
big-name, big-shot professional climbing aboard ultimately swearing
allegiance to speed — it was the formation of Melges Europe.

For Federico Michetti, president of Melges Europe, it was a dream to
bring the Melges 32 to Europe and work alongside Harry Melges. “When you
have a dream and it is never shared with others, it is just a dream. But
when that dream is realized together by a group of people with the same
goals in mind, the possibilities are endless. It can become reality,”
Michetti reflected. Before being named director, he was known to be a
self-proclaimed ‘Melges speed addict’ with numerous sailing achievements
of his own. At the launch, Melges commented that Federico was a natural
fit for the position, “He possesses a great deal of sailing experience
at a very high level and understands how to organize a winning team.”

Today, Michetti´s crew includes guidance from the international Melges
Team and the assistance of General Manager Luisa Bambozzi. “Luisa
is amazing. She is wonderful with our customers. She makes sure
that each one is taken care of to the highest degree. She
handles all the day-to-day duties. I am so lucky to have her on the
team,” says Michetti. Another individual he is quick to thank is his
Financial Advisor and friend, Giorgio Puntello. “It was Giorgio who
said, ‘Federico, you must do this. It is the right thing to do.’ He was
there always pushing me.”

Once established, the company's accomplishments seemed to snowball. Michetti
already knew there was a great deal of interest in Europe before Claudio
Recchi won the U.S. National Championship in Newport in mid-July. He was
one of nine crewmembers on Let's Roll. “Every time I get on the Melges
32 I realize what a lucky boy I am. When I arrived in Newport and went
out to sail, it reminded me that this is the best boat.” The Melges 32
turned heads as the press called for articles, editorials and interviews
with Recchi, including Sailing World Magazine in the USA, and Fare Vela in Italy.

Immediately on Michetti´s return home, he traveled to Lake Garda for
Torbole Race Week, where the Melges 32 was scheduled to make its Italian debut.
This event promised maximum exposure to potentially
more than 400 sailors from nine European countries. Over a hundred
individuals lined up for a trial run. The
weather dynamics on Lake Garda were ideal. It was just what Melges
Europe ordered. “I was certain that the Melges 32 would generate great
attention, but the positive feedback has exceeded my
expectations,” Michetti says. “Claudio´s success at the Nationals
strengthened the popularity and confidence in the Melges 32 — in Europe,
and most especially in Italy.” From there, it was on to other major
events, such as Centomiglia and Barcolana. Great success at these events
put the Melges 32 on the pages of some of Italy´s most fashionable
culture magazines.

As 2007 drew to a close, Melges Europe celebrated seven months and 20
boats sold. In addition, a formal partnership with Yacht Club Milano was
formed to offer support for the Melges 32 fleet in Milan. It is at this
elegant and modern yacht club that Michetti conducted the first European owners
meeting in December. Thirteen owner representatives attended (60% of all
European owners). Michetti expressed his
appreciation for their support and confirmed the announcement of a 2008
Mediterranean Racing Circuit. Melges Europe also struck an agreement
with Riccardo Simoneschi´s sports marketing agency, B.Plan, to handle
communication, sponsorship and organization for the five-event series. “Our
agreement between B.Plan and Melges Europe was immediate because our
vision of the world of sailboat racing coincides perfectly. Without
wasting a minute, we set to work with the objective of creating the 2008
Audi Sailing Series for the Melges 32. Our goal is to ensure that all owners
who believed in this boat now, are the first testimonial on which B.Plan
will direct much effort and many ideas,” Simoneschi says.

Based in Milan, Melges Europe oversees the assembly of the
Melges 32 as it enters Europe and will establish a dealer network for
its distribution. “I really love the brand, therefore the leadership of
this new company comes naturally to me. We carry Melges´ philosophy of
building a superior, technologically advanced product and supporting it
with incomparable customer service,” Michetti adds.

Melges Europe is a continuum of Melges Performance Sailboats´ goal to
further support and encourage the sport of sailing on a global scale. In
October 2006, Melges appointed Northshore Yachting, trading as Melges
Asia Pacific, based in Sydney, Australia, to distribute the Melges 32 and
Melges 24. Now with firm reach to three continents, more sailors can
enjoy sailing the greatest sportboats on the planet.